Steven Learner

STEVEN LEARNER’S NEW AGENCY

Through his architectural practice and Collective Design platform Steven Learner has collaborated with numerous artists, studios, galleries, brands and institutions, creating synergies and fostering lasting relationships.

Now Learner is taking his personal approach and unique understanding of the design world one step further with his consulting practice, helping studios to refine their trajectory, introducing brands to new markets and connecting designers with collectors, firms and press.
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Get in touch to get connected.

_{© 2022 Steven Learner | Photo by Vadim Daniel}

Curatorial Projects

After years of curating the galleries, studios, and institutions presenting at Collective Design fair, Learner is now FOCUSED ON DISCRETE CURATORIAL PROJECTS, seamlessly blending art and design into cohesive and thought-provoking exhibitions.

SÉLAVY BY DI DONNA, January 2024
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Learner was invited to curate a series of shows of art & design objects in collaboration with Sélavy by Di Donna, the hybrid offshoot of the storied Manhattan gallery. For this first show he developed “Rock / Paper / Scissors,” a light and open concept inspired by the popular hand game. The selected objects emphasize materiality and celebrate the playful, often intricate artistic techniques employed in their creation.

Sélavy by Di Donna

The show includes works from MODERN MASTERS and CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS such as Alma Allen, Jean (Hans) Arp, Andrea Branzi, Tara Donovan, Jean Dubuffet, Lucio Fontana, Yayoi Kusama, Alicja Kwade, Isamu Noguchi, Rick Owens, Man Ray, Ed Ruscha, and Faye Toogood.

FRIEZE NEW YORK, May 2020
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In 2020, Learner was invited to create a special exhibition for Frieze New York, marking their FIRST EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO DESIGN. Collaborating with Libby Sellers, a London-based gallerist and curator, Learner presented “Color and Production: From the Atom to the Void.”

Frieze New York

The wide-ranging, multi-media exhibition showcased color through the lens of historical developments and technology with examples by MODERN and CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS & DESIGNERS such as Anni Albers, Dan Flavin, Formafantasma, Hella Jongerius, Shiro Kuramata, Gaetano Pesce, and Ettore Sottsass, provided by an INTERNATIONAL MIX of participating galleries including Friedman Benda, Bortolami, Massimo De Carlo, Sean Kelly Gallery, Galerie Kreo, Nilufar, and David Zwirner.

ON THE EDGE, November 2021
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For the first online show hosted by Collective Design fair, Learner selected a group of independent designers providing a diverse selection of furniture, ceramics, and lighting, each exploring balance and symmetry.

On The Edge

Architecture & Interiors

Steven Learner’s award-winning, Manhattan-based architecture and interiors studio garnered a reputation for REFINED and INVITING SPACES for both commercial and residential clients. His approach to design is anchored by a deep understanding of the aesthetic and practical elements required to enhance the experience of viewing and living with art.

Christies Private Sales

Private Museum

California Residence

Pied à Terre

Tribeca Loft

Widely published public spaces have included the Guggenheim Museum Cafe, Christie’s Private Sales, Haunch of Venison and Sean Kelly Gallery, as well as a PRIVATE MUSEUM for a prominent collection of modern and contemporary art.

COLLECTIVE DESIGN FAIR

Learner launched Collective Design fair in 2013 as the FIRST NEW YORK EVENT dedicated to collectible design. This groundbreaking platform developed and hosted presentations from international galleries Friedman Benda, David Gill, Jousse Enterprise, Memphis Milano, and R 20th Century; cultural institutions such as Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian, National Design Museum, Design Academy Eindhoven, and The Noguchi Museum.

Collective Design

Working directly with ICONIC CONTEMPORARY DESIGNERS Learner hosted the first New York show of Gaetano Pesce in New York and the last of Ingo Mauer before his death. In addition, he presented immersive installations from contemporary studios such as Lindsey Adelman, Mattia Bonetti, Johanna Grawunder, Cody Hoyt, and Robert Stadler.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

To craft a bespoke plan that positions your studio for growth and visibility, get in touch here.

PRESS

Creative Direction by Ciaraleaf Meaney & Website by Mick Wieland Design